December 2014 - January 2015 Vol. 33, No. 10

Worship: Sunday mornings at 10:30 amwww.arcadiapres.org

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ARCADIA PRESS (USPS 070-600)

The Arcadia Press is published monthly except January and August by the Arcadia Presbyterian Church, 121 Alice Street, Arcadia, California 91006. Periodicals paid at Arcadia, Calif. Postmaster: please send address change to above address.

Pastor Jim Conner Family Ministry Sam Knottnerus Youth Ministries Andrew Ritiau Preschool Coordinator Amanda Mowrey Children’s Ministry Melissa DeSurra Operations Manager Sonja Woosley Receptionist Erin Cruz Bookkeeper Cherri King Preschool Director Billie Turner Music Conservatory Christina Liu Music Andrew Ritiau Graphic Arts Melissa DeSurra Media Arts Intern Kaleb Tuttle Custodian Daniel Lake

Arcadia Presbyterian Church(626)445-7470 Fax (626)445-6071

www.arcadiapres.org

DECEMBER 2014

JANUARY 2015

This summer, while on our African mission trip, Pastor Jim and our Nigerian friends visited a market where a bomb would go off just one week later, killing 23 people. Our families, and you as a church were relieved that we were not caught up in that blast, and upon further reflection you might even be tempted to say that you felt “peace” knowing that some people who are important to you were not harmed. Yet every day we witness countless people suffering pain and loss as we watch the mind-numbing news that informs our lives and overwhelms our empathy. The sheer volume of brokenness in the world often causes us to retreat inward to a self-focused posture whose only perspective becomes personal happiness. When asked how we are doing, we naturally focus on ourselves and our families, because after all, the question was, “how are you doing?”. But what if we

began to view the world as our family? Several years ago, our church prayed that God would help us reach the world and God’s answer brought the world to us. Every Sunday we literally experience what it is to be part of God’s global family. So now what? What shall we do?

Recently, I watched a social experiment captured on video where a couple was in an elevator with one witness at a time. The man was verbally and physically assaulting the woman and only 1 out of 53 witnesses bothered to intervene. One of the things I love about our church is that we are that one who intervenes. Arcadia Presbyterian Church responds with action and speaks up for those who cannot speak for themselves. But how can our small church make a difference in this big world? There aren’t enough doctors,

Pastor’s CornerCross Culture Current

Mission Moments & HoM

Arcadia Pres. PreschoolOctober Financials

Clerk’s Corner

Stewardship SnapshotUpcoming Events

(Continued inside in Pastor’s Corner)

IN THIS ISSUE:

PASTOR’S CORNER

UPCOMING EVENTS

December 2 Personnel Meeting 7:00pm Conference RoomDecember 3 Shoebox Christmas Party 10:30am LoungeDecember 7 Alternative Christmas 12:00pm B101December 9 Sparks 6:30 pm Fellowship HallDecember 10 APP Christmas Program 6:30pm SanctuaryDecember 11 PW Luncheon 10:30am Fellowship HallDecember 18 PW Priscilla’s Circle 11:30am LoungeDecember 19 Fun Friday + 5:00pm Fellowship HallDecember 20 Deacon’s Christmas Baskets 10:00am Fellowship HallDecember 24 Candlelight Service 5:30 pm SanctuaryDecember 24 Office Closes at NoonDecember 25 Office ClosedDecember 30 CCSM D-Groups 6:00pm Off Campus

January 1 Office ClosedJanuary 6 Personnel Meeting 7:00pm Conference RoomJanuary 8 Shoebox Packing 9:00am Fellowship HallJanuary 13 Sparks 6:30pm Fellowship HallJanuary 15 PW Priscilla’s Circle 11:30am LoungeJanuary 16 CCSM Youth at Door of Hope 5:00pm Off CampusJanuary 18 Women! Rejoice! 12:00pm LoungeJanuary 20 Trustees Meeting 7:00pm Conference RoomJanuary 22 P.W. Luncheon 11:00am Fellowship HallJanuary 24 Deacons’ Retreat 9:00am LoungeJanuary 27 CCSM D-Groups 6:00pm Off CampusJanuary 27 Session Meeting 7:00pm Adoration ChapelJanuary 28 Wandering Foot Quilt Guild 6:30pm Fellowship Hall

Women! Rejoice!January 18th at NoonWomen! Rejoice! will not meet during the month of December. Mark your calendars for the January luncheon on the 18th following the service in Fellowship Lounge. We will be making Valentines to send to servicemen and decorating cupcakes for a “It’s Your Birthday” celebration. See you there and bring a friend. Complimentary lunch and no RSVP required.

Fun Friday +December 19th from 5pm - 8:30pmWe are offering another Fun Friday + and kids of all ages are welcome! We will have dinner, games, crafts, a Bible lesson, a movie, and new friends to make! Cost is $10 per child or $25 per family 3 or more. If you have any questions contact Melissa DeSurra: mdesurra@arcadiapres.org.

WELCOMING PEOPLE ON A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY TO BECOME FULLY DEVOTED FOLLOWERS OF JESUS CHRIST.

Tabby’s Special Christmas ProgramThursday, December 11th at 11:00 amReservations must be made no later than Monday, December 8. All attendees will be asked for a donation of $10. The Opportunity Table will feature holiday items. We will also have some surprise silent auctions. Profits are used to fund mission projects. The doors open at 10:30am. The program begins at 11:00 am and lunch will be served at noon. Come early to shop and visit. Call Anna Greenhalgh: (626) 445-3275 to tell us you will be there. Be sure to invite a friend.

Presbyterian Women: Organizing the Powers ProgramThursday, January 22, 2015This month’s program will feature a discussion of the Biblical doctrines which were the basis for the Constitution. All attendees will be asked for a donation of $10. Please call Anna Greenhalgh: (626) 445-3275 to tell us you will be there. Reservations are due by Monday, January 19th. Come early to shop for bargains at the Opportunity Table featuring books, jewelry, movies and other small items. Profits are used to fund mission projects. The doors open at 10:30am. The program commences at 11:00am and luncheon will be served at noon.

SPARKS Tuesday, December 9 at 6:30 pmThis month at Sparks, we will have a catered dinner from Chef’s Coffee Shop. We will have a Christmas music program presented by the Temple City High School Choir! For dinner info, call Linda Little: (626) 351- 9757. Make reservations by December 5th. Dinner costs $14.50 per person. Your reservation will be made on payment. Please mail payment to John van Genderen at 919 Shady Lane, Glendora, CA 91740-5397.

SPARKS Tuesday, January 18th at 6:30 pmThis month’s program will be the Annual Installation of Officers conducted by Dot Qua. For reservations and dinner info please call Betty Bjerrum at 446-3656. If you would like to join Sparks, all are welcome. We have a small annual dues fee which covers our expenses, mostly for programs. Most dinners are planned potlucks. We meet in Fellowship Hall on the second Tuesday of each month (except July and August) at 6:30pm and finish by 9pm.

Alternative Christmas Market The 2014 edition of ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS will be held on Sunday, December 7th. The projects featured this year are—

• Medical Benevolence (D.R. Congo and Haiti)• ICTHUS• Fountain of Hope (Andrew Junior)• The Mustard Seed (Hassan Dicks)• Pastors Training (Samaila Doro)

CHURCH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED:Christmas Eve Office Closes at NoonChristmas Day Closed

New Year’s Day Closed

Students with their Prayer Champions for the Pray for Me Campaign

Guest Teachers In DecemberWe have the privilege of having Sam Knottnerus teach youth group the nights of December 5th and 12th while Andrew and Amanda are away on their honeymoon.

Last Service Night Of The YearIt’s been great to say that we’ve spent a quarter of our time at Cross Culture doing service projects. Jesus teaches that service is a way to more deeply understand the faith, and we believe the students have learned that as they’ve engaged in ministry this year. On Friday, Dec. 19, we will be hosting our final Fun Friday+ of the year. We’ll be blessing the parents of the community by hosting a fun night for their kids as they have fun on a date night and/or wrapping up Christmas to-dos. Students are to report to the church at 4:00pm.

No Youth Group During The HolidaysDue to the holidays, there will be no Youth Group the nights of December 26 or January 2.

Roaming Gnomes PostponedWe will be moving our annual December multimedia scavenger hunt to early 2015.

January Service ProjectOur first project of the new year will be with Door of Hope Friday, January 16. As usual, we will be serving dinner to the families and playing with the kids of the home. We will be leaving the church at 5pm.

Winter RetreatOur annual winter retreat is tentatively scheduled for January 23-25. We’ll keep you posted at youth group nights.

It’s been a wonderful year and God has moved in amazing ways! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Cross Culture Student Ministries.

Andrew RitiauDirector of Student Ministries

teachers, or missionaries to solve the world’s giant problems. But if we step back, we realize that we are part of an army of ordinary people, in the global church family, waiting to be mobilized to do something only the church can do; spread the hope of Jesus Christ.

Throughout December on Sunday mornings we are going to talk about how Jesus, the Prince of Peace wants to use our church to be part of a P.E.A.C.E. Plan to bring the transforming life of Christ to the whole world. We are a piece of a bigger puzzle, a grander picture of what God wants to do in this world. The P.E.A.C.E Plan involves every Christian and every church in every nation in the task of serving people in the areas of the greatest global needs.

The strategy is translated into the five elements making up the P.E.A.C.E. acronym. They are:

• P - Planting churches combats Spiritual emptiness • E - Equipping servant leaders combats Self-serving leadership• A - Assisting the poor combats Extreme poverty• C - Caring for the sick combats Pandemic disease• E - Educating the next generation combats Illiteracy & lack of education

We are ordinary people empowered by God making a difference together wherever we are. While it may be uncomfortable that we can’t help more, know that our small church is already making a difference in millions of lives all over the world from right here in Arcadia as we partner with our brothers and sisters in Christ all over the world.

Sam KnottnerusFamily Pastor

Season’s Greetings and Blessings to you all! With the celebration of the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ and all of the gatherings with family and friends, it is truly, to quote the lyrics of a favorite Christmas song, “the most wonderful time of the year.”

Update on our transfer to ECO; as I have advised in several previous Clerk’s Corners, our dismissal was suspended because of several pending legal matters with charges being filed with the San Gabriel Presbytery. The good news is they are close to being completely resolved but, the individual responsible for all these matters that were filed, is finding it hard to accept the process as being done. As soon as the Presbytery Judicial Council is able to execute what was agreed to by all parties, it shall continue to be pending. They have made several attempts to get resolution for what was agreed to by the other party but have not been able to do so. We have completed our responsibility so it’s up to others to complete theirs. As I promised before, as soon as the entire process is done, I will advise. It has been a trying experience for all of us in leadership but with your prayers and support we have been able to get through it. The Lord’s timing will be done. I sincerely expect to be able to advise you of the final resolution in the next Clerks Corner, (even though I have optimistically stated as much

before) pray I’m correct this time.

Two Elder/Trustees will be going off Session and Trustees. To Bob Curtis who served 6 years as President and Bob Robe who served 6 years as Secretary, a very special thanks for their years of hard work and dedication to our beloved APC. Their excellent, talented, Christian leadership will be missed, however, they both are getting a well deserved break. WE GIVE YOU BOTH THE MOST SINCERE APPRECIATION AND BLESSINGS.

It’s hard to believe we are wrapping up 2014 and our Centennial Celebration, and beginning to look forward to 2015. Somehow though, it does seem to be the right time for us to be transferring to ECO since we were the first Church in Arcadia of any denomination 100 years ago. Once again, we will be the most welcoming church of all cultures in Arcadia to start the next 100 years. Thanks to our Lord for his wonderful and flawless direction of being the church that will continue to welcome people on a spiritual journey to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.I, along with your Session wish you all a very Blessed Christmas and a safe and joyous New Years celebration.

Bob GarnerClerk of Session

clerk@arcadiapres.org

SHARING THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT 2014As we celebrate God’s greatest gift of His Son, thank you in advance for your generous contributions that express God’s love in a practical way. 55 less fortunate local families, including several from our nesting churches, are receiving Thanksgiving and Christmas Baskets and/or grocery gift cards. 114 children received school supplies and a $15 Christmas gift card.

Please pray for these struggling families to be reassured of God’s love and our compassion. Sign up to “Adopt-a-Child” at the Hands on Missions-Deacons Booth on Sundays or at the church office during normal office hours. Donations of cranberry sauce, peanut butter and jelly, soup, packaged potatoes or rice, packaged tuna, or other entrees are also appreciated.

Your Deacons totally rely on your continued designated donations for our ministries. Thank you, also, for your contributions for Andrew Junior’s Christmas Project – he’s speaking to 500 pastors and will be hosting a Christmas party for 120 of the orphans and vulnerable children in Cameroon.

Thank you for your faithful generosity! Please be praying for the love of God to be evident in all these things.

Exponential Culture: Believer Transformation, Disciple Multiplication by our own Michael L. Wilson is now available on book buying sites. He will share some of his God-given insights with us in December. The book is being translated for the building up of God’s churches across the world.

THE BUSIEST TIME OF THE YEARIn retrospect, all of 2014 was quite busy as this was our 100th Year Anniversary. It was, of course, an exciting time as we had a lot of interaction with past members returning for a visit and attending our events.

It was during that busy time that the church leadership announced that “Pavers” would be added to our campus. I know it was a low-key announcement and many wondered what this would entail. We have had, to date, many orders and the next exciting step for these “Pavers” will take place in January 2015.

Prayer & Commemorative GardenWe have chosen the ideal location for our Commemorative Garden. It will be located in the area east of the Conference Room (Pastor Jim’s old office). This area will be enhanced with lovely flowers, plants and with a seating area. This will create a quiet place for Prayer and Remembrance.

Why a Paver?Our church, through the last 100 years, has touched many lives. It could be your grandmother or another special relative or friend that made a difference in your life. Many have come to the saving grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ through one of the many ministries offered here

at APC. You may want to honor that ministry, church leader or friend that helped you in your time of special need.

Some Pavers that were ordered on this first shipment are commemorating the date of joining our church, or the date they married. It is a personal decision as to whom or what you would like to honor. And Christmas is right around the corner, so another idea could be to purchase a paver in the name of someone you would like to honor as a Christmas gift! This is also an ideal wedding or graduation gift as well as any important date that is meaningful to you.

Have I Missed the Opportunity to Purchase a Paver?No. There is still time to purchase a Paver. However, you should make out an application soon. The applications are in the church office. Give the office a call (626) 445-7470 and they will send an application to you.

We know that you will be well pleased with our new Prayer and Commemorative Garden. This could become the quiet place that Jesus meets you while you pray.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and God’s Blessings to all.

Phyllis Corliss, Stewardship and Event Chair 2014

PASTOR’S CORNER (CONT.) MISSIONS MOMENTS & HANDS ON MISSIONS

ARCADIA PRESBYTERIAN PRESCHOOL (APP)

STEWARDSHIP SNAPSHOT

CROSS CULTURE CURRENT

CLERKS CORNER

OCTOBER FINANCIAL SUMMARY

When I think of Christmas, I think of baby Jesus, God’s love for us, family, food, decorations, gifts, excited children and joy everywhere! Preschool is a fun place to be during this season full of singing, the Christmas story, art projects, and of course, yummy food!

Our children are practicing for their Christmas Program. We would love for you to join us for this special event on Wednesday, December 10, at 6:30pm in the Sanctuary. I know this program will bring a smile to your face and joy to your heart!

Our families participated in collecting food for needy families and also making shoeboxes for

children around the world. It was wonderful to see how excited the children and families were to help others through sharing. One mother shared how each of her children made a special box and then the entire family prayed over the boxes before delivering them to the school! God is working at the preschool and He is faithful!

The preschool will be closed for Christmas on Wednesday - Friday, December 24 - 26, and Thursday - Friday, January 1 - 2 for New Year’s. We will reopen Monday, January 5, 2015. Happy New Year!

Billie TurnerAPP Director

October 2014

Actual Budget

Income 65,593 76,212

Expenses 73,727 73,857

Net Income (loss) (8,134) 2,355

Year To Date October 2014

Income 265,137 281,637

Expenses 275,843 293,422

Net Income (loss) (10,706) (11,785)

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service We will be having our Chrismas Eve Candlight Service at 5:30pm in the Sanctuary. Come join us to be reminded why we celebrate Christmas through songs, scripture readings and a brief message. Hope to see you there!